Interim Administrator calls for feedback on Chamber changes

Published on 09 December 2021

Wingecarribee Shire Council’s Interim Administrator Viv May is asking residents to provide feedback on a proposal to modify the recently refurbished Council Chambers.

“While possible changes to the Council Chambers are not critical, I believe they would make the room more welcoming and practical,” he said.

Mr May suggested the proposal at Council’s final Ordinary Meeting of the year on Wednesday 8 December.

“Since chairing my first meeting of Council under Administration I have felt the refurbished Chambers leave a lot to be desired,” he said.

“In my opinion the new Chambers create a distinct divide between Council and the community.

“The community would be better served if the room was designed for greater inclusion and equal representation.”

The Interim Administrator stressed that the existing cabinetry would be retained under any proposed changes.

“My suggestion would be to make the existing furniture mobile,” he said. “This would then allow the Chambers to be transformed into a multi-purpose room that could accommodate public ceremonies, receptions and gatherings.”

Mr May said removing the podium, changing the levels within the room and reconfiguring the communication and information hardware would cost in the order of $40,000.

“While I believe these changes would make the Chambers more inviting and allow the room to be used for purposes other than just Council Meetings, I invite the community to have the final say,” he added.

“I invite concerned residents that have constructive objections to write to me to voice their concerns.

“Unless contrary views are received by the 31 December, I will instruct Council to undertake the changes in time for the first meeting of 2022.”

To contact Mr May direct, email interim.admin@wsc.nsw.gov.au.